Earthquakes strike without warning, making preparedness critical to reducing risks and ensuring safety. In the United States, over 143 million people live in areas with significant earthquake risk, particularly in states like California and Alaska (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/earthquake-risk-united-states). The unpredictable nature of seismic events—combined with their potential to cause structural damage, injuries, and disruption—demands proactive planning. By preparing your home, family, or workplace, you can minimize harm and recover more quickly when the ground shakes.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Taking proactive steps before an earthquake can significantly reduce risks. Follow these FEMA and USGS-recommended actions to prepare effectively (https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-safety-home).
Conduct a Home Hazard Assessment
- Identify unsecured objects: Check for heavy items like bookshelves, mirrors, or appliances that could fall during shaking.
- Secure hazards: Use straps, brackets, or putty to anchor furniture and electronics to walls or floors.
- Inspect utilities: Ensure water heaters and gas appliances are bolted down to prevent leaks or fires.
- Tip: Walk through each room and ask, “What could fall or break?” to prioritize fixes.
Create an Emergency Kit
- Stock essentials: Include non-perishable food, water, and supplies for at least 72 hours, tailored for earthquake-specific needs (see supply list below).
- Store safely: Keep kits in accessible, sturdy containers in multiple locations (e.g., home, car, workplace).
- Maintain regularly: Check expiration dates and update supplies every six months.
Develop a Family Preparedness Plan
- Practice drills: Rehearse “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” with all household members.
- Create a communication plan: Establish out-of-area contacts and meeting points (see plan below).
- Learn local risks: Review USGS earthquake hazard maps for your area (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/hazmaps/).
What to Do During an Earthquake
When an earthquake strikes, quick action can save lives. Follow these Red Cross and FEMA protocols to stay safe (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html).
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to prevent falling.
- Cover: Crawl under a sturdy table or desk; if none is available, cover your head and neck with your arms near an interior wall.
- Hold On: Hold onto the table or desk leg until the shaking stops.
- Tip: Practice this technique in different settings to build muscle memory.
Staying Safe in Different Settings
- Indoors: Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy objects that could fall. Do not use elevators.
- Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
- In a car: Pull over to a safe spot, avoid bridges or overpasses, and stay inside until the shaking stops.
- In bed: Stay in bed, cover your head with a pillow, and wait out the shaking.
Avoid Hazards
- Steer clear of doorways: They are not safer than other areas and may collapse.
- Watch for falling objects: Avoid areas with glass, shelves, or heavy fixtures.
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes if you must move to protect against broken glass or debris.
What to Do After an Earthquake
Post-earthquake actions focus on safety and recovery. Follow these steps to protect yourself and assess damage (https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-safety-home).
Check for Injuries
- Provide first aid: Use your emergency kit to treat minor injuries; seek medical help for serious cases.
- Be cautious: Avoid moving injured people unless they’re in immediate danger.
Inspect for Damage
- Check for hazards: Look for gas leaks (smell or hissing sounds), fires, or electrical damage. Turn off utilities if safe to do so.
- Assess structural safety: Avoid entering damaged buildings until authorities confirm it’s safe.
- Document damage: Take photos for insurance claims and report to local officials.
Follow Local Guidance
- Monitor alerts: Use a battery-powered radio or phone for updates from authorities.
- Prepare for aftershocks: Be ready for additional shaking and repeat “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as needed.
- Evacuate if instructed: Follow designated routes and avoid damaged areas.
Earthquake-Specific Supply List
This tailored supply list ensures you’re ready for earthquake-specific challenges. Customize it for your household’s needs.
| Item | Quantity | Your Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-perishable food | 3 days per person | Types: _______ |
| Water (1 gallon/person/day) | 3 days per person | Number of people: _______ |
| First aid kit | 1 per household | Medications: _______ |
| Sturdy shoes | 1 pair per person | Sizes: _______ |
| Whistle | 1 per person | Location: _______ |
| Heavy gloves | 1 pair per person | Sizes: _______ |
| Flashlight and batteries | 1 per kit | Extra batteries: _______ |
| Dust mask | 1 per person | Quantity: _______ |
| Wrench (for utilities) | 1 per household | Location: _______ |
| Important documents | Copies in waterproof container | List: _______ |
Tip: Store supplies in a backpack or duffel bag for quick access.
Home Safety Modifications
Making your home earthquake-ready reduces risks of injury and damage. Follow USGS and FEMA guidelines for these modifications (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/putting-down-roots-earthquake-country).
- Secure furniture: Use straps or brackets to anchor bookshelves, TVs, and appliances to studs.
- Bolt water heaters: Secure water heaters to walls to prevent tipping and leaks.
- Retrofit buildings: Consult a professional to bolt foundations to bedrock or reinforce walls in older homes.
- Install flexible gas lines: Replace rigid pipes with flexible ones to reduce the risk of gas leaks.
- Store heavy items low: Place heavy objects on lower shelves to prevent them from falling.
- Tip: Hire a licensed contractor for retrofitting; check local building codes for compliance.
Communication & Evacuation Plan
A clear plan ensures your household can stay connected and evacuate safely. Customize this plan with your details.
| Category | Task | Details | Your Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Out-of-area contact | Name: _______ Phone: _______ | |
| Backup contact | Name: _______ Phone: _______ | ||
| Meeting Points | Primary meeting point | Location: _______ | |
| Secondary meeting point | Location: _______ | ||
| Evacuation Routes | Primary route | Route: _______ | |
| Secondary route | Route: _______ |
- Establish contacts: Choose an out-of-area contact to coordinate communication if local lines are down.
- Set meeting points: Identify safe locations (e.g., a park or community center) away from hazards.
- Map routes: Plan two evacuation routes, avoiding bridges or areas prone to landslides.
- Practice regularly: Conduct drills to ensure everyone knows the plan.
Tips for Schools & Workplaces in Earthquake Zones
Schools and workplaces in seismic zones need tailored plans to protect students, staff, and visitors. Follow FEMA’s school safety guidelines (https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness-resources/schools).
- Conduct drills: Schedule regular earthquake drills to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in classrooms or offices.
- Secure equipment: Anchor computers, projectors, and heavy machinery to prevent tipping.
- Train staff and students: Educate everyone on earthquake safety protocols, including evacuation routes and safe zones.
- Stock supplies: Maintain emergency kits in accessible locations, including water, first aid, and communication tools.
- Develop a response plan: Create a chain of command and assign roles for post-earthquake response, such as accounting for all individuals.
Conclusion
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but preparation empowers you to face them with confidence. By securing your home, building an emergency kit, and practicing safety protocols like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” you can protect yourself, your family, and your community. Start today—implement these steps, customize your plans, and explore resources from FEMA, USGS, and the Red Cross to stay informed. Preparedness brings peace of mind and the strength to recover. Act now to be ready for the next quake.